By Logan Walker, Staff Writer
One year ago, the Washington Nationals were a preseason World Series favorite. However, injuries, nonexistent batting and poor pitching late in games contributed to the Nationals failing to qualify for the playoffs.
The frustration eventually led to a mid-game altercation between closer Jonathan Papelbon and outfielder and star player Bryce Harper.
So what is different about this year’s team compared to last year’s team? Well after the debacle of last year, general manager Mike Rizzo fired manager Matt Williams, and eventually hired Dusty Baker. Pitcher Jordan Zimmermann and shortstop Ian Desmond left in free agency to the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, respectively. The Nationals also dealt away Yunel Escobar but added outfielders Daniel Murphy and Ben Revere.
Other than that, the Nationals are almost the same exact team as last year, and they have the same exact goal and priority, win the Fall Classic. They still have former MVP Bryce Harper who will without a doubt continue to build on what he did last year. They still have Max Scherzer, who pitched two no-hitters last year, one being a strike away from a perfect game, and they still got Stephen Strasburg, who looks to finally put a consistent season together ever since he got Tommy John surgery.
The Nationals bulked up on their pitching relief, making sure few blown saves happen this year. They got a manager that is proven and knows how to deal with things when the going gets tough. If they can avoid the injury bug this year and have their players stay healthy, there is no doubt they should be contending for a playoff spot and fighting to win their division and conference.